I'm trying to find the best all-around books about the USMC and great Marines that give insight into the service: histories, biographies, memoirs, studies, etc. I'm digging around and did a search through the boards, turning up a few good books, but I was wondering if anyone had recommendations?

Historical narrative:
"Voices of the Pacific: Untold Stories from the Marine Heroes of World War II" by Adam Makos
"Flags of our Fathers" by James Brady

Specific biography's
"Once a Legend:"Red Mike" Edson of the Marine Raiders" by John Hoffman
"Evans Carlson, Marine Raider: The Man Who Commanded America's First Special Forces" by Duane Schultz

Those are just sitting on my book shelf in front of me, I could come up with a few more if I put in some effort.

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The "Best Tactics" to use are the ones which allow you to shoot the other guy before he shoots you. Whether your pinky is fully extended or not is a matter of aesthetics, not tactics.

During boot camp, our "heavy" Sgt. Edwards would read a page or two from this book each night it was his turn to stay with our platoon. He would always end it with something like "This is what it's all about ladies. If this doesn't motivate you - you are in the wrong place."

I have read this book at least three times since then. Still one of my all time favorites.

I also suggest:
- Inside Force Recon - Recon Marines in Vietnam
- Force Recon Diary 1969
OK - these two are obviously specific to FR, but still great books.

- The Lieutenant Don't Know - One Marine's Story of Warfare and Combat Logistics in Afghanistan
I got this one because of the different angle it represented: a junior officer and logistics and combat? I thought it was a great story and it shows how dangerous it is for everyone in the military in A-stan. And even especially dangerous for a logistics company. It also reinforces the point that all Marines should be able to function in combat.

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"He who does not punish evil commands that it be done." -- Leonardo Da Vinci